There is a great amount of research available, as well as debate about the research, regarding the amount of "screen time" that our children experience these days. Screen time is no longer relegated to television. Certainly video games and Ipads, even your phone apps were never envisioned when the early cautionary messages were issued years ago. Factor in the recent school closures and online learning exclusively, this is even more so disturbing. Regardless of what side of the debate you are on, it is imperative that we also consider the physiological AND sociological effects of using these types of electronic media to entertain or teach.

Our preschool is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and as such we must comply with their very specific regulations on the use of screen time within a preschool setting. There are strict limits for good reason. I am pleased to advise that we NEVER have an issue with compliance on this topic!! Our philosophy of teaching children through play and meaningful, age appropriate activities aligns perfectly with the intent of the ADHS guidelines.

To perfectly illustrate our commitment to play based, non-techy methods one need only witness the variety of activities we present to the childen, including the STEAM FAIR we had this past week. (Check out our FACEBOOK page for a video!) Plus, the learning fun continues with next month's curriculum topics coming to life! Shopping carts and pretend "grocery stores", farm animals and barns, "milking cows" (yep, udderly hilarious), sorting and matching egg patterns, and the best of all, sensory tables filled with great things to explore and experience. Like the simplicity of black and white large beans (yep, just beans!) and measuring cups for pouring and mixing; a flavorful "apple pie" mixture of flour, and cloves, and nutmeg and cinnamon, with plastic apples of all colors. It smells heavenly and is the best way to sift, measure, pour, weigh, and create!!! 

- Mrs L.